Video: Fans saddened but not shocked about Ortiz’s drug test

Friday

Jul 31, 2009 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2009 at 10:37 AM

The reports that Red Sox slugger David Ortiz and former Sox stalwart Manny Ramirez had tested positive on the eve of the team’s first World Series title in 86 years left many fans saddened but hardly shocked.

Jessica Bartlett

Hours after news broke that David Ortiz, the Red Sox slugger better known as “Big Papi,” had used performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, he hit a go-ahead three-run homer against the Oakland A’s, helping clinch an 8-5 victory.

Still, even with his game-time heroics, the reports that Ortiz and former Sox stalwart Manny Ramirez had tested positive on the eve of the team’s first World Series title in 86 years left many fans saddened but hardly shocked.

“I’m not completely surprised, but I’m disappointed,” said Maureen Doherty of Quincy.

Stories about baseball players using performance-enhancing drugs have plagued the sport for years. Ramirez already had been under the harsh spotlight, when Major League Baseball suspended him for 50 games earlier this year. Amid the recurring drug headlines, some took the latest development in stride.

“I think most baseball players are on steroids anyway, so it’s not a real shock,” said Angelina Corrado, 27, of Medford. “I don’t think it’s fair to the players who aren’t on steroids, but it is what it is.”

Many rationalized the news, calling Ortiz’s actions acceptable given that there was no stringent ban in 2003 against performance-enhancing drugs.

“It doesn’t bother me, because they didn’t have any rules against doing that stuff in 2003. So if he continued to do it, and got by and did well, then it’s showing now. He’s not hitting too good lately,” said Freddy Smith, 49, of Plymouth.

Not everyone feels that way. Jack Armstrong, a pitcher for Vanderbilt University and the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, said there’s no excuse for a player to use performance-enhancing drugs, under any circumstances.

“I wish with all my heart that steroids get all cleaned up and there’s no steroid usage whatsoever. It’s not fair,” he said.

Ortiz has had a long love affair with Red Sox faithful, ever since arriving from Minnesota. Anthony Bonaceto, 32, from Walpole, said that, at the end of the day, fans will embrace Big Papi for what he’s given to fans.

“It’ll always be in the back of your mind,” Bonaceto said, “but you can’t take away what he’s done.”